Amman sees 65% drop in traffic violations, accidents

AMMAN — Traffic violations and accidents in the capital have witnessed a 65 per cent decrease since the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) installed cameras in several areas, Mohammad Faouri, director of joint management at GAM said on Wednesday. 

There are around 19 already installed camera units in Amman, including mobile and fixed-radar units, under a plan that started in 2004. 

Encouraged by the results, GAM is currently working on installing more cameras in other areas.

It plans to float a tender to install camera units in cooperation with the Public Security Department and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, the GAM official said. 

“The municipality’s proposal is based on its experience in traffic management,” he told The Jordan Times over the phone. 

“Using cameras and automated surveillance has helped in better management of several ‘black spots’ in Amman. In the outcome, the death and injury rates from road accidents have dropped by 65 per cent in Amman,” the official said. 

He added: “Car accidents have increased in the country as the vehicle numbers are on a rise, yet the number of road accident victims has dropped. There is a huge difference when the motorist is driving at 100 km/h and at 60km/h — thanks to the cameras.”

Around 20 extra cameras are to be installed in the capital in areas that record the highest numbers of road accidents, according to Faouri.